Advances in research on the mechanism of lymph node metastasis of liver cancer

Abstract

Liver cancer is a high-degree malignancy with a poor prognosis. Metastasis and recurrence of liver cancer are the main factors influencing the effects of treatment. Lymph node metastasis of liver cancer is the most important factor influencing patient survival. Liver cancer patients have a poor prognosis with an average survival time of less than 3 months after surgical treatment. The rate of lymph node metastasis of intrahepatic bile duct cell carcinoma is 31.9%-58%, much higher than that of hepatocellular carcinoma. Intrahepatic bile duct cell carcinoma has a poorer prognosis than that of primary liver cancer. The five-year survival rate of patients with intrahepatic bile duct cell carcinoma is 13%-42%. Lymph node metastasis is a process involving multiple factors and steps. The process of metastasis includes cancer cell proliferation, detachment, adhesion, degradation of basement membrane and outward infiltration to microlymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, resulting in enlarged, hardened and fused lymph nodes. Cancer cells then transfer into the lymphatic circulation through the thoracic duct and eventually end up in the blood circulation. At present, the metastasis of liver cancer focuses on hematogenous metastasis. Hepatocholangiocarcinoma metastasis involves the lymphatic system, a process that includes micro-lymphangiogenesis, cholangiocarcinoma cell adhesion and matrix degradation. We review the advances in the research on the mechanism of liver cancer metastasis in an effort to confirm the theoretical basis of targeted therapy and biological therapy for liver cancer.